IN MEMORY
Murray Westman
Establishing a farm or ranch ‘back in the day’ in rural Alberta with town some twenty miles away by automobile, or a day’s jaunt by horse and wagon, one’s nearest neighbours often became the closest of allies and, hopefully, friends. With a relationship that began by Frank and Margaret Gibson travelling back and forth a half mile to share equipment, labour, food, and fellowship with Dorothy and Wally Westman, the birth of seven children combined set in motion a series of generational friendships that exist to this day. Through the many activities of childhood, schooling, extracurricular endeavours, working on and off the farm, and eventually succession in running the family businesses, half a mile meant walking or riding distance for the three Westman and four Gibson kids and their parents, or a quick trip to the other’s shop to see if a part could be borrowed before even considering a trek to town. And we’re sure that Ernest found in Doug and Murray, an eager pair of young neighbour fellows to set out with when, perhaps, the excitement of having three sisters perplexed him. After more than seventy years, Gibsons and Westmans are still travelling that half mile or two. Unfortunately, with the blessing of strong, lifelong friendships, heartache is bound to have its day. Our Preston community was undeniably changed in the spring of 2018 with the premature passing of Murray Westman. We still find it surreal that Murray isn’t just over the hill, at the shop for coffee, or helping us combine our last field because the weather is changing and they are already done. Christmas Day supper at Auntie Jan’s isn’t the same without us capturing a photo of Murray napping in his paper cracker crown. Brandings, the Vermilion Fair, Farm Curl, weddings, community dances, 4-H, cattle sales, a simple smile and wave when passing on our country road – the list of activities shared, and memories made, is endless. We are grateful for the time that we had together, but we sure do miss you, Murray.
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